How to remove silicone sealant

Sealing in rooms with high humidity and constant temperature changes should be necessary. Silicone is considered the most popular because it has a large number of advantages. In the process, small parts of the composition can get on your hands, clothes or processed material. In this article we will explain how to remove silicone sealant from acrylic bath, tile, as well as clothing.

General information

Silicone sealant is widely used when working with various objects and materials. In particular, they can carry out sealing plumbing, window frames, glass, mirrors and other types of finishes. Due to the presence of a number of properties, it can be called a universal remedy. It is worth highlighting the most important characteristics:

• elasticity;
• affordable price;
• simplicity in work;
• moisture resistance;
• heat resistance;
• long service life.

Before you go shopping for a store, you need to familiarize yourself with the other side of the process: how to remove residual sealant after work.

Manufacturers and professional craftsmen recommend selecting a method for removing sealant depending on its composition. To date, there are several main types of sealants: sanitary, aquarium, automotive, universal and others.

Mechanical way

The most effective and simple solution is mechanical removal or force method. The main purpose of this method is to damage the structure of the sealant. But if we are talking about removing residues from a tile, glass or mirror, this is a bad idea. The process uses pumice stone and a knife, so the finish can be scratched or damaged by its appearance. To resort to the mechanical method is most expedient when:

• there is no risk of scratching the surface;
• it is possible to restore the integrity of the layer without complications;
• the sealant is removed in an area that will be hidden from prying eyes (behind the bathroom, appliances or furniture);
• the use of chemicals will cause great damage;
• appearance does not play a role (basement).

Initially, you need to remove large pieces of silicone, and then move on to medium and small ones. After such actions, spots are formed. In most cases, you can get rid of them with simple dishwashing detergents and foam cleaners. If the procedure did not produce the desired result, it is worth exploring other methods.

The main tool for mechanical cleaning is the knife. To minimize deformation, choose a thin blade with a sharp end.

Combined method

This method involves the use of both the above method, and chemicals. Consider in more detail than to clean the surface of the silicone sealant.

White Spirits

A rag or sponge is moistened in a solvent with a small area - white spirit evaporates quite quickly. In just 30 seconds, the sealant seam should be soft and pliable, which will allow you to gently remove it with a knife or spatula. If the layer is too thick, repeat the process until it is completely clean. You can wash off the spots that appear with a solvent, and then wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel.

Acetone

Removal technology is the same as in the above case. It is important to remember that in its composition acetone is quite aggressive. Therefore, before using it, it is necessary to verify compatibility with the base material. For example, they can not clean the plastic, as the solvent will corrode PVC. In addition, acetone easily penetrates the human body through the skin.

When using solvents, care must be taken to protect the respiratory organs and the skin of the hands. Use respirators and rubber gloves.

Salt

An additional method for removing a small layer or stain with a bath is to use table salt. The technology is quite simple: a tampon is made from a bandage or gauze, into which a small amount of salt is placed. Swab moistened in warm water and wipe the desired area.

Heat

So that the effectiveness of the above processes was several times higher, it is recommended, if possible, to preheat the surface. After the material is fully heated, even household chemicals can be used.

Specialized Chemical Solutions

If there is no desire and time to remove the old sealant from the surfaces by the indicated methods, other options can be considered - special chemical solvents. They are sold in the same stores, where the sealants themselves. In addition, manufacturers have taken care to simplify the selection of the desired type, and indicated on the label for which sealant you can use a solvent. They differ in their consistency:

• pastes;
• foam;
• aerosols;
• solutions.

Instructions for use are listed on each label. But in general, all actions can be described by the standard algorithm:

1. Before use, the surface is well cleaned and tested in an inconspicuous area. This will let you know if the chemical is corrosive paint or enamel finishing material.
2. During the work it is necessary to use gloves and respirators, since chemical solutions emit harmful vapors into the air.
3. After softening, the silicone is easily removed with a blade. Then you need to rinse the place well with water and detergent, and wipe with a clean cloth.

There are several common tools used to remove sealant - Lugato, Penta-840, Dow Corning OS-2, and Silicon-Entferner.

With hands and clothes

When using sealant, a small amount may get on your skin or clothing. If it was immediately noticed, then you can remove the tool quickly and without a trace. But what if the layer is dry? To clean the sealant from the clothing, you can proceed as follows:

1. Remove soiled clothes, stretch a smeared place, pick up the formed film and remove with a fingernail.
2. Put things in the freezer for a few hours. After that, removing the pieces of silicone will also be easy. In addition, no stains will remain.
3. Soak the clothes with dried sealant for 30 minutes in vinegar, and then remove the composition with a cloth.
4. If you have alcohol or vodka on hand, you can use them. After wetting, clean the stain with a brush.

If the sealant gets on the skin, then you must also take care of its removal. To clean the silicone residue with hands, you can use a solution of warm water and salt. Hands should be held for a few minutes in a basin (water should completely cover the contamination), and then remove the sealant with a hard washcloth or pumice. It is important to note that the silicone may not retire the first time, so the process must be repeated. Instead of salt, you can use soap, the process is completely identical.

If neither salt, nor soap help in any way, take vegetable oil, heat it up a little and put it on the skin. After that, using a washing powder, the skin is rubbed until the sealant is completely removed.

In addition to folk methods, you can consider special tools that are sold in the store. But to acquire them with a little pollution is irrational.

Removing silicone from tile

To begin with, cut the sealant off the tile as much as possible. This should be done very carefully, so as not to damage the tile. Then rub the cloth in the remains of silicone white spirit / gasoline. This will soften the sealant, it should look like jelly and will be easier to remove.

Do not use tools with abrasive components, because they will scratch the surface of the tile.

Another option is to rub kerosene into the sealant. This combustible mixture also softens it. You can also rub in the remains of silicone detergents. But with their use, the cleaning process is only delayed.

It happens that the silicone is not removed the whole strip. The reason for this may be an incorrectly chosen cleaning agent, or you may come across a second-grade compactor. In this situation, the process of rubbing one of the above liquids must be repeated. Does not help alone? Try another. As a result, the sealant should begin to roll. Remove the formed pellets easiest dry cloth.

What if you need to remove the remains of the sealant from a tile that has a porous base? Well, in that case you have to work harder. In this case, the coupling of the tile with silicone is stronger. Apply alternately to the remaining silicone. Remove it can be pumice / scraper.

Before using any solvent, check the reaction of the tile to it in a small area. Otherwise you can spoil the finishing material. This point is especially important to consider when it comes to painted details.

With acrylic bath

One of the effective tools for removing silicone sealant from an acrylic surface is Dow Corning OS-2. It is sold in the form of a liquid that needs to be applied to the remaining silicone. As a result, it softens and is easily removed. This tool, according to the manufacturer, does not damage the bath surface and is not toxic. Acrylic bath, like tile is afraid of abrasive, because its surface is easily scratched. Therefore, it is important to choose the right sealant remover.

You can also use the already known method - rubbing the sealant with white spirit / detergent. The rest of the method of cleaning sealant is similar to the method of cleaning the tile from the same insulation.

Having considered all the ways to remove silicone sealant, we can make a small conclusion: the cleaning process is quite laborious, so it is better to prevent the appearance of stains and dirt than to seek a cleaning solution. In the process of sealing the seams, use respirators, rubber gloves and work clothes, and always keep a rag soaked in water at hand.

Video

Removal of sealant using special means: